My Gratitude List for 2014

It’s Thanksgiving week here in the States, which means there will be lots of overeating and overspending this week. There will also be lots of laughter and joy as families and friends come together to celebrate.

In honor of this holiday dedicated to being grateful, I want to share with you 14 things I am grateful for this year (since it’s 2014 and all  ) In no particular order:

My Family

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, or because my parents are, but I have never been more thankful for my family than I am this year. Nearly a hundred of us gathered recently to celebrate my cousin’s wedding and my heart nearly burst with joy and gratitude for this crazy clan of mine. I am especially grateful for my sister who lives in Charlotte and who loves cooking so I can stay out of the kitchen on Thanksgiving

Old Friends

My friends have been a source of immense strength for me this year as I have navigated one change after the other. They have talked me off the ledge when I wanted to jump, sat with me while I cried, and they have made me laugh when I needed a good laugh. I am lucky enough to have two sets of really close friends and I am deeply grateful for each of them.

New Friends

I have made a lot of new friends this year who have helped broadened my horizons and expanded my experiences. I look forward to deepening those friendships in 2015.

My Health

I am chronically anemic and this year I had to get my 4^th Iron Infusion. But I have a new doctor and I’m grateful for his watchful eye because my numbers are better than ever. My overall health is good otherwise and seeing so many suffer incomprehensible illnesses this year, I am thankful to be in good health.

Seasons Changing

Maybe it’s because I was going through my own season of change but I really noticed the seasons changing in nature this year. I was aware of spring’s arrival and summer’s somewhat hasty departure. Now the three trees outside my windows are still holding onto their leaves but they have turned a majestic red and orange and I love looking at them. They remind me that change is normal and necessary but beauty can still be found in the midst of change. This year has been filled with lots of changes for me and while it has not always been easy, I have discovered so many unexpected moments of joy. Seasons change but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The Greatest Send Off In The History of Send-Offs

When I transitioned off staff at the church, the team surprised me with a weekend filled with all of my favorite things including this EPIC performance from my friend Tracie of Pharrell’s song Happy. She KILT it! Musical soundtracks played in between services (see below) and Frozen’s Elsa AND Anna put in an appearance. It was a wonderful send off and my heart still smiles when I remember it.

The Work I Am Now Doing

I never imagined myself as an entrepreneur but now I can’t imagine any other life for myself. I believe deeply in the work I am doing and look forward to serving the countless women leaders who feel alone and lost in their leadership.

My Clients

I can’t sing the praises of these amazing women (and men because I do have male clients) enough. They are some of the strongest and most courageous people I know. They inspire me every day and I am grateful for the privilege I get to journey with them while we work together.

My Coaches

Throughout this year, several women have come alongside me to help me in this new entrepreneurial journey. Each of them have showed up EXACTLY when I needed them and each has added to the business owner I am becoming. I am grateful for their insight, their encouragement and their willingness to push me outside my comfort zone.

Art of Money

The Art of Money is a yearlong financial coaching program that I participated in this year and I might never find the words to adequately express the gift this program was to me. It fundamentally changed my relationship with money, which has positioned me to step more confidently into the role of an entrepreneur. I don’t even remember how I found out about in the first place but I’m so thankful I did.

Freedom To Travel

In the last two months I have traveled to Italy and Australia, not to mention several places around the US. I have always loved to travel and this year I have been able to enjoy it in a whole new way. Can’t wait to see what places call to me in 2015.

The Early Morning Hours

I get up early because I relish the quiet of those pre-dawn hours. I live downtown and love the hustle and bustle outside my window because it reminds me of the energy of the city. However, the silence of the early morning hours gives me time to think and reflect and listen. The silence has whispered secrets to me during those hours and I look forward to them every day.

Musicals

There will never be a list of things I am thankful for where musicals are not on that list. I have been in love with musicals – of all varieties – since I was a child. They instantly take me to my happy place in moments of unrest. I have had to call on the superpower of musicals numerous times this year and they never fail to work their magic on my heart.

My Faith

It is last on this list but is actually the thing I am most grateful. I don’t talk much about my faith here and will likely always keep it that way because my faith is deeply personal. My faith is being stretched like never before but one thing that will never change is the fact that my faith grounds and anchors me. It centers me when everything else around me is swirling out of control. Everything else in my life might change but this part of who I am never will.

Bonus

Because 2015 is right around the corner, I’m adding a 15^th item to my list and that is my gratitude for you my readers. I am grateful for you reading my words each week and sharing them with others as you have seen fit. Thank you for being here and I look forward to all we will discover together in the coming months and years.

Okay your turn, what are you grateful for this year? Let me know in the comments below.

From my heart to yours,